PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
18-12-2006
Minister Oskanian Visits the Islamic Republic of Iran
Minister Oskanian paid a working visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, at
the invitation of Manouchehr Mottaki, Iran’s Foreign Minister. The visit
took place on Sunday, December 17.
The two ministers met first at the airport, then later, at a formal meeting.
They noted with satisfaction that since President Kocharian’s visit to Iran
in July 2006, bilateral agreements are being steadily completed,
particularly such projects as the Iran-Armenia pipeline, the third
high-tension electricity transmission line, as well as the construction of
alternative roads. They also touched upon the possibility of deepening
cooperation in the energy field.
They also discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. They
expressed satisfaction with the active development of relations, and
productive bilateral communication at different levels.
While attaching importance to the work of the intergovernmental commission,
the interlocutors also spoke of current trade and economic ties. They noted
that multi-faceted cooperation between Armenia and Iran is not only in the
interest of the two countries, but is beneficial for the whole region. In
this connection, they emphasized fully activating the North-South axis.
Minister Oskanian and his Iranian counterpart exchanged views on regional
issues, specifically the situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle
East. They also touched upon the possibility of deepening the cooperation in
international organization. The Armenian Minister briefed his Iranian
colleague on the latest developments in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
settlement process.
Later the same day, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad received Minister
Oskanian. The two evaluated highly the cooperation between Armenia and Iran,
and focused on issues having to do with the bilateral agenda.
Speaking about the longstanding Armenian-Iranian relationship, Minister
Oskanian underscored that these ties serve as the basis for the development
of the special relations between the two countries, which are based on
reciprocal respect and confidence.
During the meeting with Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National
Security Council, Mr. Larijani informed Minister Oskanian about the latest
developments in international organizations regarding Iran’s nuclear
project, stressing the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to use nuclear
energy for peaceful purposes.
At Ali Larijani’s request, Minister Oskanian spoke about the current stage
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process.
During the meeting with Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel, Speaker of the Iranian
Parliament – the Majlis, the interlocutors welcomed the activation of
intergovernmental ties between the two countries, and expressed confidence
that the speaker’s upcoming visit to Armenia in September will give new
impetus to bilateral relations.
Minister Oskanian also met with the Armenian-Iranian delegation to the third
Armenia – Diaspora Conference as well as other high-level representatives of
the Armenian community of Iran.